Italians Retreat On Valona

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 297, 14 December 1940, Page 9

Italians Retreat On Valona

FRONT CRUMBLING

Troops Demoralised Under Renewed Greek Attacks

(Lniied Press Association. —Copyright.—Rec. 1.30 p.m.) LONDON, December 1 3. The Greeks maintain the initiative in all sectors and continue to advance on the whole front, although slowly in th-; central and northern sectors. The Greek forces in the south have accelerated their advance and now seriously menace Himara, from which they are only five miles distant. The Italians, concentrating on the heights in front of Himara, drafted in fresh troops to relieve the units worn out with the rapid i etreat and relentless Greek attacks, but the Greeks quickly dealt serious blows to these troops, many of whom have already been taken prisoner. The Greek column on the coast has joined up with a column pursuing the Italians from Argyrokastron, and already is within two miles of TepelenV The two columns together occupied Borci, three miles from Porto Palermo, 'thus the Greeks have full lateral communication from the coast to the region of Klisura. The Italians, therefore, face formidable forces on what is possibly their last effective defence positions before Valona. The "Daily Telegraph" points out that it is difficult to see how Valona could be held if these defences fall, but the Italians have already begun the evacuation of Tepelena after suffering heavy losses. Regiment Wiped Out. The Greeks are believed to be already beyond Porto Palermo, and within five miles of Himara. Greek troops entirely wiped out an Italian regiment which crossed a ravine, not knowing the Greeks held commanding heights, and came under a withering fire. Greek infantry later went down to clear the ravine, but found not a single Italian alive. The Ankara radio stated that the capture of Valona is only a matter of days, and may become the stepping stone to the downfall of the Fascist regime. The Italian retreat continues despite the attempts of the commanders to rally their troops. Even disciplinary shooting of soldiers no longer impresses the Italians. Outspoken Italian officers taken prisoner say the Italians are without morale, and find retreat more pleasant than fighting. An Athens message says the Greeks have occupied Porto Palermo. . . Greek radio reported that the Greeks had reached the Adriatic -oast north of Himara and had captured fortified Italian positions.